05-4481A01, Rev. A
GE MDS TransNET Quick Start Guide
1
MDS TransNET
Publication No. 05-4481A01, Rev. A
The transceiver, shown in
Figure 1
, is a spread spectrum radio
designed for license-free operation. These units employ Digital
Signal Processing (DSP) technology to provide highly-reliable
long-distance communications, even in the presence of weak
signals or interference.
The transceiver is housed in a compact and rugged die-cast
enclosure that need only be protected from direct exposure to the
weather. It contains a single printed circuit board with all necessary
components for radio operation. No jumper settings or manual
adjustments are required to configure the radio for operation.
In addition to these instructions, the
MDS TransNET Reference
Manual
(05-2708A01) provides helpful guidance on TransNET
systems. Electronic copies of all user documents and data sheets
are available free of charge at
www.GEmds.com
.
1.1
Transceiver Features
Listed below are several key features of the transceiver. These are
designed to ease the installation and configuration of the radio,
while retaining the ability to make changes in the future.
• 902–928 MHz operation using the TransNET 900
• 2400–2482 MHz ISM band operation with the TransNET
2400
• User-selectable option to skip sub-bands with constant
interference
• 65,000 available network addresses
• Network-wide configuration from the Master station elimi-
nates most trips to Remote sites
• Data transparency ensures compatibility with virtually all
asynchronous SCADA system RTUs
• Peak-hold RSSI averaged over eight hop cycles
• Operation at up to 115,200 bps continuous data flow
• Store-and-Forward repeater operation
• Data latency typically less than 10 ms
• Same hardware for Master or Remote configuration
• Supports RS/EIA-232 and RS/EIA-485 user interface
• Low current consumption; typically less than 3 mA in “sleep”
mode
Figure 1. MDS TransNET Series Transceiver
NOTE:
Some radio features may not be available on all models,
or limited by the options purchased, or the applicable
regulatory constraints for the region in which the radio will
operate.
1.2
Typical Applications
1.2.1
Multiple Address Systems (MAS)
This is the most common application of the transceiver. It consists
of a central control station (Master) and two or more associated
Remote units, as shown in
Figure 2
. An MAS network provides
communications between a central host computer and remote
terminal units (RTUs) or other data collection devices. The
operation of the radio system is transparent to the computer
equipment. When used in this application, the transceiver provides
an excellent alternative to traditional (licensed) MAS radio
systems.
Figure 2. Typical MAS Network
1.2.2
Point-to-Point System
A point-to-point configuration (
Figure 3
) is a simple arrangement
consisting of just two radios—a Master and a Remote. This
provides a half-duplex communications link for the transfer of data
between two locations.
Invisible
place
holder
Figure 3. Typical Point-to-Point Link
1.2.3
Adding a Tail-End Link to an Existing
Network
A tail-end link can be used to extend the range of a traditional
(licensed) MAS system. This might be required if an outlying site is
blocked from the MAS Master station by a natural or man-made
obstruction. In this arrangement, a TransNET radio links the
outlying Remote site into the rest of a licensed MAS system by
sending data from that site to an associated TransNET installed at
one of the licensed Remote sites (see
Figure 4 on Page 2
).
As the data from the outlying site is received at the licensed
Remote site, it is transferred to the licensed radio (via a local cable
connection) and is then transmitted to the MAS Master station in
1.0
INTRODUCTION
MDS TransNET
Remote
MDS TransNET
Remote
MDS TransNET
Master
MDS TransNET
Remote
MDS TransNET
Remote
RTU
RTU
RTU
RTU
Host System
RXD
TXD
SYNC
PWR
RXD
TXD
SYNC
PWR
RXD
TXD
SYNC
PWR
RXD
TXD
SYNC
PWR
RXD
TXD
SYNC
PWR
MDS TransNET
Master
MDS TransNET
Remote
Host System
